Gov. Haley Issues Vetoes, Agency Responds

State agency is one of many facing chopping block

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By
Monique Williams

Story Created:
Jul 5, 2012 at 11:10 AM EST

Story Updated:
Jul 6, 2012 at 4:06 PM EST

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley meets her deadline for striking items from the Legislature's $6.7 billion budget plan, and one state agency says it could close its doors as early as Monday because of the vetoes.

The Legislature approved a budget compromise last Thursday that did not reach Haley's desk until Friday. Meanwhile the South Carolina Arts Commission, on the veto chopping block again, could go out of businesses if its strike down remains. Executive Director, Ken May, says it the agency is cut, South Carolina will become the only state without a state arts commission. Some 20 employees at the Midlands organization could lose their jobs, and more than 100 schools statewide are expecting to receive grants from the commission that may never come.

Haley also vetoed $10 million for teachers' pay raises, as well as striking down a list of several local projects.

Legislators will return to Columbia between now and September to consider overriding her vetoes.

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